Olivier Cresp

Minimalist, simple, and authentic: this is how perfumer Olivier Cresp loves fragrances and life. For him, the path to the world of beautiful fragrances was spontaneous, yet he followed his destiny with passion and great ambition. He was born in 1955 in Grasse, the world-renowned capital of perfume production. But that was not all. Fragrances were also a family affair and tradition in his home. His great-grandfather, grandfather, and father were already in the business. The Cresp family would share scent experiences with freshly-harvested blossoms, and summer flowers instead of nighttime stories. According to his account, he created his first fragrance at 8 years old in his nursery. So, it was obvious for Olivier Cresp to take up the profession as a perfumer. The charismatic grand seigneur moved to the US in the 1970s to be admitted into the high school of perfume production. He began his professional career in 1992 at Firmenich. There, he got off to a brilliant start, practically in real-time, which to this day has earned him the reputation of true talent and a special "nose". During his first year at Firmenich, Thierry Mugler came knocking for a new perfume. An unprecedented potpourri was to strive for that would really and truly represent the heavenly name "Angel''. The exercise succeeded, and "Angel'' is still regarded today as an unparalleled fragrance experience and a real turning point for the perfume industry. Other grandiose compositions followed, such as "Lacoste Pour Femme", "Nina" for Nina Ricci, or "Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue".

Prizes and awards were flowing in addition to the commercial and artistic success. He received the ultimate accolade of "Maître Parfumeur" in 2006, followed by "Perfumer of the Year" in 2007. The French state prize for services to art and culture came in 2012 when he was named "Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres". In 2018, the Fragrance Foundation honored him with the "Lifetime Achievement Award." In his acceptance speech, the great master himself referred to what the perfume world also still dares to hope for: the best is yet to come.